Celebrating the Life of Anyango Rosalia Odongo (1947–2026)
With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Anyango Rosalia Odongo, who departed this life on May 24, 2026, at Mulago Referral Hospital. Born on September 2, 1947, in Alego, Siaya County, Kenya, she lived a life defined by resilience, grace, and an unwavering commitment to her family and faith.
A Life of Grace and Dedication
Rosalia was a woman of immense character. After losing her parents early in life, she took on the role of a parent to her siblings, demonstrating the deep maternal instincts that would guide her throughout her years. In 1969, she married Samuel Odongo in Ngero, Kumi District, and together they built a life of love. Though she faced the immense loss of her husband in 1990, Rosalia remained a tower of strength, choosing to stay in her home to raise her children rather than returning to her people in Kenya.
A dedicated educator, Rosalia served at various schools, including Rangala Girls Primary, Osia Primary in Tororo, Ulwan Primary, Amongura Primary, and Ongariam Primary. She eventually retired in 2008 and settled in Tororo Osukuru Corner, where she became a pillar of her community and a nurturing presence to her grandchildren. She will be remembered as a God-fearing woman who worked tirelessly to ensure her children were educated and well-settled.
A Beloved Family Matriarch
Rosalia leaves behind a legacy carried forward by her surviving family:
- Children: Caroline Elesu Achipa, Stella Epilu Amuge, Dorothy Oditai Amujal, Christine Alou Akayo, Emmanuel Odwesso, John Mark Jude Oluka, Joseph Odongo, Shalom Patricia Ogwal Amoding, and Monica Osudo Akol.
- Sons-in-law: Stephen Epilu, Jackson Osudo, Moses Elesu, Isaac Alou, Gerald Ogwal, and Charles Oditai.
- Wives of Sons: Jane Amase, Anne Odwesso, Caro Odongo, and Stella Odongo.
- Siblings: Auma Apolonia Olemo, Chris Odwesso Okello, Florence Odwesso Akach, Peter Odwesso Ogombe, Paul Odwesso Rodhalo, and Lucas Odwesso Obiya.
- Grandchildren: She was the proud grandmother to 46 grandchildren, including Odongo Stephen, Racheal Ayeto, Elieza Joshua Olila, and many others who held a special place in her heart.
Funeral Service Program
To honor the life of our dear Tataa, the following services will be held:
- Church Service: Friday, May 29, 2026, at Local Christian Assembled Tororo, starting at 10:00 am.
- Burial: Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Tororo Osukuru Corner Junction, approximately 200 meters along the Busia Marram Road, beginning at 3:30 pm.
We draw comfort from the scripture 2 Timothy 4:7-8, knowing that she has fought the good fight and finished her race. She is deeply loved, truly irreplaceable, and will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.